News from the Past – Welsh Newton

1843 – Bigamy at Welsh Newton

Elizabeth Taylor (no not that one) married E. Jones on 1st November 1842 in Welsh Newton; however, her previous husband, George Taylor whom she married the previous September, was still alive.

1849 – Child Dies at Welsh Newton

Here it is, the inevitable article on a child who burned to death when left alone.

In this case it was four year old Abraham Lewis.

1851 – Fire on Farm at Welsh Newton

Some tramps decided to kip down for the night in the barn of a farm at Welsh Newton, and when sparks dropped from their pipes the building went up in flames.

Neighbours were brilliant, and through their efforts some feedstuffs were saved, however the barn itself which was full of wheat; a cart; drill and other farming implements, was completely destroyed.

Mr. Locke, who had seven children and who had only just moved in to the farm, was devastated as he could ill afford the loss, and it was generally hoped that the generosity of villagers would see him through.

1854 – Drowning of Welsh Newton Labourer

Joseph Madley, a labourer of Welsh Newton crossed the river in a boat to buy provisions, and stopped off for some drinks at a pub near Symond’s Yat Rock.

Eventually he set off back, and was never seen alive again.

Next morning the boat was discovered missing, and it was later discovered two miles down river. A big search for Joseph ensued but in vain, until some days later his body was spotted near the new Weir at English Bicknor.

1860 – “A Fine Specimen of a Husband”, Part I

This is of course said in a sarcastic way as you will soon see…….Timothy George of Welsh Newton was charged with assaulting his wife Sarah.

Timothy and Sarah were going home to Welsh Newton from Monmouth, when Timothy lay down by the side of the road. (Drunk one assumes). Sarah tried to get him up and begged him to come home with her, but he refused and after hitting her several times he lay down again.

Sarah went home without him, and just as she was getting ready for bed Timothy arrived cursing and swearing. He began to beat her, throwing her down and hitting her in the face until she thought that he would kill her.

At court, Sarah told how this was not the first time he had violently assaulted her, and as can be seen by the next article, it was not the last. Why she stayed with him goodness only knows.

Anyway, the case was withdrawn when Timothy paid 6s costs, and he was bound over for 12 months.

1862 – A “Fine Specimen of a Husband” Part II

In court, she told how Timothy came home very late one Sunday night, and swearing loudly climbed the stairs before hauling her out of bed by her hair.

Timothy then beat Sarah with wood, before grabbing her round the throat. (Sarah showed the court the marks on her throat that had not yet faded). Not yet satisfied he then grabbed her hair and thumped her in the ribs with his fist.

Managing to get to the window, Sarah yelled “murder” and Timothy fled, only to return half an hour later when he beat her again.

All this, apparently, because Sarah had refused to get up and cook him supper.

Timothy George pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three months imprisonment with hard labour.

1890 – Attempted Suicide at Welsh Newton

Amos Morris of Newton Common tried to kill himself after a love affair went wrong.

First he tried to cut his own throat, and then attempted to stab himself in the chest. He failed to inflict fatal wounds both times and a surgeon sewed him up and sent him on his way.